In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with Harvard-trained dermatologists Dr. Karen Kagha Abisogun and Dr. Aria Vazirnia to talk about all things skin science and aesthetics. From treating stubborn under-eye hyperpigmentation in diverse skin tones to mastering advanced liposuction and body contouring techniques, they share expert insights, treatment pearls, and wellness tips for achieving confident, natural results.
Timeline of What Was Discussed
00:30 – Meet guest: Dr. Karen Kagha
01:08 – Topic intro: periorbital hyperpigmentation
01:53 – How to tell pigment vs. other causes of dark circles
02:51 – "Filler or PRP won't fix it" — can make it worse
03:16 – Top cause #1: volume loss (fat pad changes, weight loss)
04:01 – When to treat pigment vs. replace volume
05:04 – Topicals for eyes: hydroquinone, cysteamine (tolerability concerns)
06:35 – Laser approach: 1927 nm Fraxel (go-to)
07:30 – Start low / low-density laser strategy to reduce PIH risk
07:55 – Sun protection & HelioCare (oral photoprotection)
08:36 – Tinted physical SPFs / iron oxides for melanin-rich skin
09:26 – Post-laser care: bland emollients, avoid irritating actives
09:52 – Steroid use: cautious — avoid directly on eyelid; use elsewhere if needed
10:25 – Nutrition & hydration for healing (whole foods, protein, avoid excess salt/alcohol)
11:22 – Allergies / hidden triggers (eye creams, scented candles, gel manicures)
12:27 – V-beam: used mainly for vessels; avoid in darker skin types / test-spot if borderline
13:21 – Microneedling: useful for texture, but laser preferred for pigment
14:05 – Tranexamic acid / post-laser topicals — cautious use around eyes
14:59 – Rapid-fire with Dr. Kagha (wedding season, SPF, retinoids)
16:12 – Retinoid tips: start low, ease in, retinol staging technique
18:28 – Wrap / where to find Dr. Kagha online
18:48 – Transition to next guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia
18:58 – Meet guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia (Harvard-trained)
19:27 – Topic intro: arm liposuction — candidates & basics
20:16 – Loose skin considerations; when arm-lift may be needed
21:23 – Tumescent technique: office-based, no general anesthesia needed
22:16 – Leg/ankle contouring: lipedema, 3D approach to sculpting ankles
23:03 – Technique: repositioning patient for full-360 ankle suctioning
23:36 – Durability of results — fat unlikely to return to same spot
24:04 – Scar management: small incisions, sun avoidance, lasers 2–4 weeks post-op
25:23 – Favorite lasers for scars: V-beam, Sciton/Profractional, Fraxel
26:02 – Profractional scar settings (start low density ~5.5–11%)
26:27 – Use of exosomes / PRP / PDRN as adjuncts for healing
26:43 – Fat transfer options for "too-skinny" ankles (referral to plastics)
27:03 – Scope: extremities and 360 trunk work in practice
27:32 – Rapid-fire with Dr. Vazirnia (Boston vs. CA, coffee, music)
28:44 – Advice for young dermatologists: plan 10-year goals, pursue training/fellowships as needed
29:09 – Where to find Dr. Vazirnia online / closing remarks
29:39 – Outro by Dr. Azi
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Follow Karen Kagha on Instagram: @drkarenk
Follow Aria Vazirnia on Instagram: @drariamd
Dr. Karen Kagha is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained cosmetic expert based in Los Angeles. Known for her artistry and science-driven approach, she specializes in aesthetic dermatology and skin health for all skin tones. Dr. Kagha is passionate about empowering people to feel confident in their skin through education, innovation, and inclusive beauty.
Dr. Aria Vazirnia is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and surgical specialist based in Beverly Hills. With expertise spanning lasers, injectables, and advanced lipedema surgery, he combines precision with a natural aesthetic vision. Dr. Vazirnia brings a thoughtful, evidence-based voice to skincare, wellness, and modern beauty.
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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email morethanaprettyfacepodcast@gmail.com.
Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/
The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.
